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12 December 2008
International professional services company GHD has been
engaged to develop an irrigation modernisation plan for one of
Australia’s most important irrigation areas.
The plan will consider the options available to increase the
efficiency of the irrigation system that feeds the Burdekin delta
in North Queensland – recognised as Australia’s sugar cane capital.
The delta produces up to six million tonnes of sugar cane each
year, more than half of the area’s irrigated cane.
Lower Burdekin Water – a joint venture between the North
Burdekin and South Burdekin water boards – has commissioned GHD to
investigate the impacts of changes to water availability,
irrigation technology and regional crop type demand on the area
over the next 20 to 50 years, including the potential impacts
associated with climate change.
Growers in the delta rely on a mix of surface water, delivered
via pipes and channels, and ground water to irrigate their crops.
GHD will examine the irrigation and aquifer replenishment scheme,
as well as the potential to enhance the overall water balance. The
consequences of unmanaged water losses and accumulations will also
be explored.
The modernisation plan aims to improve the efficiency of the
area’s irrigation systems, including identifying ways to enhance
operational efficiencies, addressing groundwater quality and
quantity, asset upgrades, and providing sustainable land and water
practises with minimal impacts to the associated riverine and
coastal ecosystems. GHD and Lower Burdekin Water will consult
widely with stakeholders, including irrigators, regulators,
industry and environmental groups, before preparing a final
report.
GHD has a solid history of helping communities manage their
water resources in a sustainable manner. The company is assisting
irrigators in Queensland, Western Australia and northern Victoria
to plan for modernisation. GHD has also been actively engaged in
the rollout of the Federal Government’s Water for the
Future program, providing advice on the potential for
efficiency improvements and assessment of project submissions.
GHD Principal Water Engineer Don Pidsley said: "Sustainable
management of our water resources is more important now than ever,
with the drought placing additional pressure on farmers and the
community at large. The Burdekin delta has a long history of
underpinning the economic development of Queensland and GHD is
proud to be helping the community plan responsibly for the
sustainability of these enterprises."
For further information, contact:
Sonia Adams